We saw many existing Linux distributions become better in 2023, and some new ones joining the club with a focus on immutability, among other things.
Even though there are plenty of distros for advanced users, and quite a few beginner-friendly distros, there were a handful that flew under the radar in 2023. These are quite different in their own right.
So, join me as I take you through nine interesting Linux distributions that you may have missed in 2023.
1. Asmi
Asmi (formerly Zinc) is a neat Ubuntu-based distro that features XFCE and the Nemo File Manager, it is a relatively new offering that focuses on providing a good out-of-the box experience without the need to fiddle around much.
2. Bazzite
How about a Linux distribution tailored for gaming?, Bazzite is a Fedora-based distro that has been built for gaming on Linux.
It offers things like preinstalled proprietary Nvidia drivers, a Waydroid implementation for running Android apps and even has a dedicated ISO for the Steam Deck.
Suggested Read 📖
Sourav Rudra
3. Exodia OS
Exodia OS is a Linux distro for cybersecurity enthusiasts based on Arch Linux that is highly extensible. Developed by a team of cybersecurity experts, this distro features many preinstalled Cybersecurity tools, integration for Microsoft PowerShell, and more.
This can be a nice alternative to Kali Linux too!
4. risiOS
risiOS is yet another Fedora-based distro that is counted among the best ones out there. It focuses on providing an easy-to-use user experience while also integrating some impressive GUI tools.
It also comes loaded with plenty of useful applications. You can also add “Web Apps”, which let you access websites directly from the desktop without the need of a browser.
5. EasyOS
The creator of EasyOS calls it as the “new paradigm”. For a Linux distro this is a pretty big claim. However, this claim seems to hold up pretty well.
It is a container-friendly distro that uses RAM to handle most storage operations, which also results in very fast app and container launches.
Suggested Read 📖
Sourav Rudra
6. CachyOS
CachyOS is an Arch-based distro which is a good fit for most and offers things like multiple desktop environments, an optimized version of the Linux kernel, GUI/CLI-based installation options and more.
The overall look and feel is polished too, our review linked above has more details.
7. rlxOS
It's time for an immutable Linux distribution. rlxOS is an independent distro that focuses on providing better control over the core and working parts of the operating system.
It follows a rolling release approach that eliminates the need to reinstall it whenever there is a major update. rlxOS also focuses on privacy, and has native support for Flatpaks.
8. carbonOS
carbonOS is also an independent Linux distribution that focuses on providing an intuitive user experience. It features the GNOME desktop environment with features such as atomic updates, being flatpak/container-first, providing a polished experience and more.
Suggested Read 📖
Ankush Das
9. blendOS
Finally, we have blendOS. It is a Linux distribution that aims to replace all Linux distributions with its immutable nature.
To achieve such a big aim, it supports most popular package managers such as apt, dnf, pacman, yum, yay, has support for multiple desktop environments, and features the Flathub Store as a desktop app.
Well, that was it for this list, 2023 has been a busy year for new distro releases, I can't wait to see what kind of innovation we will be seeing in 2024.
💬 What about you, which one will you be trying from this list? Did I miss any other interesting distros?
Here's why you should opt for It's FOSS Plus Membership
- Even the biggest players in the Linux world don't care about desktop Linux users. We do.
- We don't put content behind paywall. Your support keeps it open for everyone. Think of it like 'pay it forward'.
- Don't like ads? With the Plus membership, you get an ad-free reading experience.
- When millions of AI-generated content is being published daily, you read and learn from real human Linux users.
- It costs just $2 a month, less than the cost of your favorite burger.
